Today I went out set on selling a bunch of games at GameStop for that $10 bonus. Am I glad I didn't do any of that.
While I am not absolutely sure that the following details are nationwide, I assume it is because I've seen it in multiple stores, and there is a lot of advertising and documentation going on for it. I hold in my hand a flyer that contains the information regarding GameStop and EB's Wii (and PS3) pre-order process. I have to say that I am not pleased by this process, but am still glad I finally know when and how to pre-order my Wii at GameStop.
Here is a picture of the flyer, and I'll write out the details below it, along with some answers to some questions that I asked about this crap.
Yes, its blurry. My camera sucks. Forgive me. XD
Anyway, here are the details:
GameStop will start accepting pre-orders for the PS3/Wii on MONDAY SEPTEMBER 18. This will last for ONE WEEK only. Any store can and will stop taking pre-orders at any time (most likely when their limit is reached). I have been advised (and I advise you) to go to the store on Monday and get your pre-order in.
GameStop is NOT ACCEPTING cash, or store credit for your down payment on a pre-order. You HAVE to trade in games or accessories when you pre-order. It must total $50 or more, and it will all go towards your system pre-order. Any money you put down after $50 can be credit, cash, or whatever else GameStop/EB accepts. This applies for both the Wii and the PS3.
Any promotions on game trade-ins active during your pre-order transaction can be used toward this pre-order stuff. That means that you can take advantage of the "trade 3 games and get $10 extra" offer currently being held at GameStop/EB.
You are GUARANTEED to get a Wii, but the date you get it IS NOT GUARANTEED (he specifically told me that you are not guaranteed to get your system on launch or anytime during the Christmas season).
Stores are going to give out launch systems based on chronological pre-order order. That means if you are the first one to pre-order/reserve your Wii, you will be the first one to get a Wii on launch day.
Reservations are limited to 1 per household.
If you want to know what exactly the text says at the bottom of the flyer, here it is: "Cash or Store Credit will not be accepted. Reservations of the PlayStation 3 or Nintendo Wii are limited to one (1) reservation/purchase per household."
And the text near the GameStop logo at the bottom: "All trades must be in working condition and are subject to manager approval. As GameStop cannot control production and shipping issues by the manufacturer, the reservation deposit will only gurantee a spot in line when the PlayStation 3 or Nintendo Wii becomes available. The reservation deposit does not guarantee reciept of a system available to purchase by Christmas."
Here are a few questions I asked when the employee was giving me the info:
Q: Why is the pre-order process being done this way?
A: GameStop/EB is trying to be more cautious and is trying to plan out the pre-order process better. This is an attempt at a different way of handling pre-orders. They say that they take in a large amount of pre-order money and when products launch, many people don't actually pick up their pre-order. That means GameStop/EB has to continually keep track of these unclaimed pre-orders, and that incurs costs. Its a way to keep down costs, and at the same time, its a way for you to actually keep your money in case you do not pick up your system (because your pre-order money is converted basically into store credit).
Q: Will you have lots of Wii accessories (controllers, etc.) on hand for launch.
A: Yes.
Q: Will you open at midnight?
A: It depends. Some stores may, and others might not. My particular store is trying to open at midnight, but its slightly more difficult since its located in a closed mall.
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As a note, I didn't specifically ask for any information about the PS3, I could care less about that. But because they seem to be jointly advertising this, I am going to assume that the details are similar. Really the best way to find out is to call your local GameStop/EB. Though, to be honest, I've called them numerous times over the past few days for information, and they've repeatedly said that they have no idea what's going on. Then I go into a store today and behold, there are fliers and information and stuff everywhere. XD
I hope this helps lots of you. I'll be up bright and early on Monday pre-ordering a Wii.
On a side note: I hope that this does not become a trend (this being the trade-in to pre-order system). It was a complete surprise to me, and definitely made me mad. I even told the employee that a lot of people probably won't be happy, and that I was one of them.
This also kind of hinders Nintendo's mission to expand gaming to people who do not play games. I know we aren't going to see many Grandmas and Grandpas in launch lines, but because of this pre-order system, we won't see any of them. Chances are they don't have games to trade in, probably not enough to reach the $50 prerequisite. GameStop is basically saying, "n00bs go away". No Wii, at least not at a launch and not at GameStop/EB.
On the other hand, this will probably cut down the number of people pre-ordering.
Oh, I also have a list of Wii games that the employee printed out for me. They have names, as well as anticipated shipping dates on them, and pricing information. If people want that, I can post that too.
